Friday, March 2, 2012

There are those recipes that you see that just scream "Make Me NOW!" and then there are others that look good, that you want to make but they don't speak to you enough to move to the top of the list. The cookie recipes that typically scream at me are those that are packed full of chocolate chunks, heath bits or candy pieces. As of lately, some of the more simple cookies seem to be speaking to me. Every time I make one of these cookies that seems to be more simple I am surprised how delicious and full of flavor they are, even without all those add-ins. I have come across, yet another cookie that is not a typical cookie that speaks to me.

Brown sugar cookies. Yes, that's it. A simple name, simple ingredients but full of flavor. What can I say about these cookies? Honestly, I cannot say enough good about them. I saw these one day on my new addiction, AKA Pinterest, and the description simply read "they melt in your mouth". That sums these up perfectly. They are perfectly light and fluffy then topped with the most delicious brown butter frosting. They honestly do melt in your mouth and they will be gobbled up before you can turn around.

The cookie, as the name states, is brown sugar based. The addtion of sour cream helps not only make these cookies extremely moist but lends a tangy undertone to the cookie. The cookie is delicious itself, but let's talk about the brown butter frosting. I'm slightly obsessed with brown butter. Not only does it help enhance the flavor of savory foods but it really compliments the flavors in sweet foods as well. It has a slightly nutty flavor that is out of this world. In this case the brown butter is combined with powdered sugar and a splash of milk. I could honestly get a spoon and eat this frosting right out of the pan...don't worry, I didn't! The soft, sweet cookies topped by this nutty, brown butter frosting is a true treat.

For the cookies-
Preheat oven to 350. Line a cooking sheet with a silicone baking mat or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

In a medium bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

Place butter and sugar in the bowl of a mixer and cream on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla and mix until combine. Alternating between the flour mixture and the sour cream; add to the sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition.

Using a tablespoon, place rounded spoonfuls on prepared cookie sheet. Repeat process with remaining dough. Place in preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer cookies to cooling rack and allow to cool completely.

For the frosting-
Place butter in medium saucepan and place over medium heat. The butter will begin to crackle and foam as it melts. Once the crackling subsides, the butter will begin to brown. Swirl the butter around the pan as the butter cooks. Once the butter is brown remove from heat. Add the powdered sugar and stir, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time, until frosting is at a spreadable consistency.

Using an offset spatula, spread frosting on cooled cookies. Return to cooling rack and allow frosting to set before placing in airtight container. Place parchment paper between cookie layers to avoid sticking together.